honesty take me where you want me to go,we can’t rely on anyone else to hit the power button for...
TRANSCRIPT
Serving Eastern WA, North ID & Southern BC Canada
Do I Really Accept? “And acceptance is the answer to all my problems today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing, or situation—some fact of my life—unacceptable to me, and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing, or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment. Nothing, absolutely nothing, happens in God’s world by mistake. Until I could accept my alcoholism, I could not stay sober; unless I accept life completely on life’s terms, I cannot be happy. I need to concentrate not so much on what needs to be changed in the world as on what needs to be changed in me and in my attitudes.” Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition {BB} p. 417
Dear God,
Take me where You want me to go,
meet who You want me to meet, learn
what You want me to learn, say what
You want me to say and keep me out
of Your way. Thanks.
Honesty To fully understand that honesty is a key factor in recovery and something that I need to develop, I need to look at my past to see both when I was honest and when I was dishonest. I am amazed when I think about just how much I lied — to myself, to my Higher Power, and to those around me. For today, I am learning how to react to current situations in a mature, honest way. Self-honesty has opened a new door in my life. It has given me relief from anger, resentment, and other emotions that were completely in my head. Sure, I can be honest about what I ate today, but to be completely honest in everything I do and say is a tad bit scary. I am not used to living this way. I do not even know how to do this yet. Honesty is a new experience I embrace with an open mind every day. Since beginning in OA, I have found that the more honest I am – with myself, my Higher Power, and others — the better I feel and the happier I become. It has been difficult, but the times I have spoken honestly, I have felt extreme relief. If I use the Tools laid out for me, I can succeed. Keep coming back. It works when you work it, and you are worth it — so work it! — Edited and reprinted from OA Today newsletter, St. Louis Bi-State Area Inter- group, May 2016
Before OA, I had
a hole in my soul
not a whole soul.
PAGE 2 LAKE COUNTRY INTERGROUP
L a k e C o u n t r y I n t e r g r o u p
A p r i l 2 6 t h - 2 8 t h , 2 0 1 9 Friday 3:00 pm through Sunday 1:30 pm
Renew Your Inspiration
A Note From Down Under In time I came to understand that I have a disease and it is
called addiction. I am addicted to food and other substances. I
learned that addiction swaps from substance to substance
which is why I can’t handle food, alcohol, drugs and exercise
sensibly like normal people. I learned that addiction is a
threefold illness that affects me spiritually, mentally and
physically. I learned that I can’t fix myself and that there are
lots of other people who are addicted to food like me. Some of
them are working together to help each other. They are not
living in addiction anymore. They have found a solution in
Overeaters Anonymous. As my eating got worse, I started to
see the freedom these people had from food and I wanted it. I
was developing a more open mind, able to listen and, with
help, started to do what they were doing. Edited from a booklet of personal sharing locally produced by Canterbury Intergroup in New Zealand and Australia
Recovery Is Ours We can’t rely on anyone else to hit
the power button for us. OA is a
program for people who want it, not
people who need it. We’ve got years
of experience at resenting others for
telling us what to do. You aren’t the boss of me has rattled around our
inner monologue more than a few
times. Even if another person told us
they’d drive us to meetings and help
us do the work, we’d say no or get no
benefit. As the ABCs on page 60
of the Big Book remind us,
“probably no human power could have relieved our alcoholism.”
It’s up to us to take the actions
required to gain or regain food
sobriety. The recovery is ours, not the
next person’s. Sea Coast OA New Hampshire and
Maine https://seacoastoa.org Posted March 25, 2018
FYI There is a new recording on the Region 1 website
from the Region 1 Convention Fall
2018. The topic is Sponsorship.
Check it out at www.Oaregion1.org
PAGE 3 LAKE COUNTRY INTERGROUP
What Can We Trust, Who Can We Trust? Amazingly, despite knowing that our feelings are powerful and uncontrollable, we follow them blindly. Take
eating, itself. Our anxious selves want soothing with food. Our minds at first say, bad idea. We might even
step away from the fridge. But then our brain, addled by our compulsion, works on it a while. Whether it’s a
moment, an hour, a day, a week, a year, or a decade later, our thinking will eventually churn out a justification
for eating. That justification might be “screw it,” might be “it hurts,” or might be “it won’t hurt me this
time,” or something far more complicated. But it’ll come. Eventually, we blindly follow our feelings into oblivion.
We need a new way. We can’t trust our feelings or our thinking because they serve the same master: food
addiction, in whatever form we have it. So what can we trust? Or more accurately, Who can we trust? The
answer is that we can trust our Higher Power to give us the intuitive thought or decision we need. When we
let go and let God, then our emotions about and our analysis of a situation can be put to good use. Divorced
from the drive for satisfying our compulsion, we can use our minds to examine our internal and external
circumstances and draw well- reasoned conclusions. We can also use our emotions and intuition as guides to
ensure that what we’re considering feels right. Edited from Seacoast OA seacoastoa New Hampshire and Maine IG (Posted on November 26, 2017)
April 16, 2017 Indianapolis OA IG
Following the
Steps can
create a
beautiful dance
of life!
In OA we have discovered that humility is simply an awareness of who we really are today and a willingness to become all that we can be. Genuine humility brings an end to the feelings of inadequacy, the self-absorption, and the status-seeking. Humility, as we encounter it in our OA Fellowship, places us neither above nor below other people on some imagined ladder of worth. It places us exactly where we belong, on an equal footing with our fellow beings and in harmony with God. OA
12&12 pg. 60
PAGE 4 LAKE COUNTRY INTERGROUP
AWARENESS + ACTION = ABSTINENCE
Awareness is only the beginning. I love that the
Big Book spells it out in no uncertain terms,
sometimes in ways that make me shudder because
they leave no room for wishy-washy efforts on my
part. Phrases such as “Half measures availed us
nothing” (p. 59) and “will power and self-knowledge
would not help in those strange mental blank spots”
(p42). My action plan helps me to not only work
the program but also to live a more orderly life.
Self-discipline is elusive for me, so writing down an
action plan each night for the next day really helps
me in all aspects of my life.
One of the many gifts I’ve received in my 25-plus
years in OA is to be more realistic about what I can
do on any given day. I used to overbook my
schedule, and that always led to feeling rushed,
frustrated, harried, indecisive (should I do this or
that? I don’t have enough TIME!), and always ended
up making me feel as though I had failed somehow.
Today I make an action plan that is modest,
reasonable, doable. It always starts with “call my
sponsor,” and includes some physical exercise, some
prayer & meditation, and a short list of necessary
chores or duties, such as paying a bill or calling the
plumber. And I cross off the items on the list as I
complete them! Very satisfying!
But the main thing about an action plan, as with a
food plan, is that I HAVE one. I rarely follow my
action plan perfectly, but coming up with one,
writing it down, helps me stay on the road to
recovery, and that’s where I want to be, one day at
a time. ~Linda F. Edited from Soar 8, R8’s Newsletter, Summer
2013
“Weight loss is not what the OA
program is about. A normal-size body is
a fringe benefit received in the course of
reconstructing that which cannot be
seen. Inner change is the substance of
the Twelve-Step program….”
For Today, December 18
An Idea From the Editor One of the biggest problems I have is going grocery shopping. Things not on my food plan just wait until my back is turned, then leap gleefully into my cart. Really! OK, honesty time. I find I have a real problem with impulsive decisions when walking the aisles of my local supermarket and I have been known to call my sponsor to have her ‘shop’ with me over the phone as I fill my basket with foods that will not harm me. Recently, however, I have discovered a new way of shopping that not only keeps me from impulsively grabbing poor choices, but also helps me get only what is on my list and nothing more, saving my monetary budget as well; local on-line shopping. Most stores now offer this free service where you can order what you want, have them fill it, and then either go and pick it up at a designated spot at the store for no extra charge, or even have them deliver the same day to your door - for a nominal fee. I have used the pick-up service many times at my usual store and have found that they go out of their way to choose even my fruit and vegetables wisely, so for me, this is a great way to stay on Program and I highly recommend looking into it yourself! Katy B. Spokane, WA
Did you know? “The seventh tradition doesn’t simply
apply to financial support. In order to be fully self-supporting,
groups and individuals need to take on their share of
service work as well.” ~Seventh Tradition, OA 12&12
Meetings – where you
PAGE 5 LAKE COUNTRY INTERGROUP
Legends: P = Program
F = Food M = Maintenance
ANY CHANGES -
please contact: Katy B. [email protected] or 509-270-1965 *new#
Name Phone Type
Carrie 509-747-3117 F/P
Carol 510-390-4555 P
Colleen R 208-59-5728 P/F
Debbie 509-455-4455 P
Debbie P 208-755-4774 [email protected]
P
Donna 509-999-5326 F
Elizabeth C.
509-216-2894 P
Gary 208-298-9044 P
Jackie M 509-570-8292 jackiemcwilliams@
comcast.net
Bariatric Surgery
Jacqui 509-844-4780 P
Janelle 509-483-6937 F/P/M
Jean 509-483-8019 P
Jessie W. 509-953-0202 [email protected]
P
Katherine B.
206-335-9726 (Seattle) HOW - F/P
Lenora 208-635-5165 P/F
Larissa W. 509-701-4341
Marcia Kay 509-879-8233 F/P
Marla 509-413-2117 605-390-5764
P
Mollie R. 208-819-1828 [email protected]
P
Nicole 509-413-2961 P
Paula 208-618-9297 [email protected]
P/F/M
Robin B. 509-280-5705 P
Ruth D. 208-659-9606 P
Sharen 509-483-2171 509-688-5706 (cell)
F/P/M
Sharon M. 619-823-7783 [email protected]
P
Sharon W. 208-691-3702 P/F
Valerie 509-328-3087 [email protected]
P
Inclusive, Not Exclusive Sobriety is not defined by how well one works the Steps, or how many times one works the Steps. Sobriety is not defined by having memorized sections of the Big Book or other AA literature. Sobriety is not defined by how one has mastered the Twelve and Twelve. Sobriety is not defined by faith in any particular God. Sobriety is not defined by how many cute and clever sayings one has memorized. What is sobriety? Sobriety encompasses the return to family, to employment, to good friends, to no legal troubles - all while in a serene state of mind, and without alcohol. Sobriety is about a healthy lifestyle as a contributing member of society. If one wants to sit at the table and profess to be an AA authority, then one must have actually worked the Steps, have a sponsor, and go to meetings. But, once again, these behaviors are not the definition of sobriety. "Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other...." Alcoholics Anonymous is not a complicated program to be precisely worked in any structured manner. This quality makes AA inclusive rather than exclusive. I remain a steadfast proponent of the original purpose of Alcoholics Anonymous - one alcoholic helping another. Gary C. (St. Joseph, MO) Grapevine Online Exclusive, September 26, 2016, "Reflections on the Daily Reflections”
For many years, I thought I was incapable
of losing weight and recovering. Everyone
but me. Through humility, awareness,
prayer, and faith in the program, I realized
I am NOT unique. It works if I work it
and I am honest. It’s simple, not easy.
Occasionally I fall back into old thinking and
feel like I’m different again. It only takes a
meeting, an outreach phone call, a chat with
my sponsor, or a reading to get my mind
right again. I am grateful that I have a
community of people just like me. RECOVERY WRITINGS ON TERMINAL UNIQUENESS JUNE 7, 2017 OA INDY CENTRAL INDIANA IG
PAGE 6 LAKE COUNTRY INTERGROUP
June 19. Quarterly Reg
OA News & Region One Retreats/Workshops
Young Persons' Committee: The Young Persons' Committee
is looking for OA members who are able to share their experience, strength, and hope as a speaker for a series of young persons' podcasts. If you are interested, please complete the interactive questionnaire (detailed instructions included) by January 31, 2021.
Professional Exhibits Fund: The Professional Exhibits
Fund has more than US$17,000 available to help your service body participate in a trade conference or convention for professionals who may refer patients and clients to OA. Applications are reviewed the first week of each month, so talk with your service body about local opportunities and apply!
OA 2019 Literature Catalog: OA's literature catalog and
prices are updated every year, so having the latest info is tremendously helpful when you need to order. Download the new 2019 Catalog and 2019 Order Form now and use them next time you're ready to resupply literature and coins. You can find both the Catalog and Order Form at bookstore.oa.org by clicking the "Ordering Tools" menu at the top of the page.
Meeting Reps: Please remember to Update your affiliated meetings information at Find a Meeting
Retreat/ Workshops
Continued
May 17 - 19. Sunlight of the Spirit
Retreat. Wesley Meadow Lodge at Suttle Lake, OR. Sponsored by Centeral Oregon IG. Flyer.
May 31 - June 2. Back to Basics Spring
Retreat. Seton House of Prayer, 5819 Chute Lake Rd, Kelowna, BC. Sponsored by Southern British
Columbia and Interior Intergroup. Flyer.
June 2019
June 7 - 9. The Big Book Comes Alive; A Transformation Weekend. St. Paul's Anglican
Church, 100 Chapel St, Nanaimo, BC. Sponsored by Vancouver Island IG. Stay at a nearby
Hotel. Flyer.
Close To Spokane! June 21 - 23. Greater Columbia IG Retreat.
Theme: "Higher Powered" Lazy F Camp & Retreat Center, Ellensberg WA. Flyer. Flyer Insert.
Virtual Meeting
June 19. Quarterly Region 1 Special Focus Speaker Meeting: Body Image. Wednesday 7
PM Region 1 speaker calls on recovery topics; Body Image. Flyer for more information.
(with calling instructions)
Upcoming Workshops & Retreats
Region One
May 2019 May 3 - 5. Northern Lights Intergroup Spring Retreat. Providence
Renewal Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Website.
May 3 - 5. A Big Book Weekend Workshop. Sea to Sky Intergroup, Vancouver BC. Firefighters Banquet and Conference Centre in
Burnaby, BC. Flyer.
May 4. Abstinence vs A Plan of Eating Workshop. Anchorage Alaska Intergroup. Mt Vernon Commons 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Flyer.
May 4. Importance of Working the Steps Workshop. 10 AM - 2:30
PM. Twin Falls, Idaho sponsored by Snake River Intergroup. Intergroup meeting after the workshop. Flyer.
May 11. OA Workshop and Peninsula Intergroup. First Lutheran
Church, Poulsbo, WA. 10 - 2 PM - Intergroup right after event. Flyer Meadow Lodge at Suttle Lake, OR. Sponsored by Centeral
Oregon IG. Flyer.
May 31 - June 2. Back to Basics Spring Retreat. Seton House of Prayer, 5819 Chute Lake Rd, Kelowna,
PAGE 7 LAKE COUNTRY INTERGROUP
Day / Time
Location
Contact Person
Meeting Type
Spokane, WA #54927
SUN ** 4:30 PM*
South Hill Bible Church - West Wing 958 E. 29th Ave (build. West of parking lot)
Debbie F. 509-455-5544 [email protected]
OA Steps and/or Traditions
Spokane Valley, WA #51503
MON 6 PM *
Opportunity Presbyterian Church 202 N. Pines Rd.
Kary M. 509-939-7671 [email protected]
Various OA literature
Spokane, WA #38479
TUE 5:45 PM
St. Aloysius Parish Hall 330 E. Boone
John B. 509-475-4718 [email protected]
OA & AA 12 & 12, Step/Tradition study
Spokane, WA #08666
WED ** 10:00 AM *
Audubon Park Methodist Church 3908 N. Driscoll Blvd (dwnstrs)
Janelle S. 509-483-6937
Big Book, OA 12 & 12
Spokane, WA #25312
WED 6:30 PM *
Lidgerwood Presbyterian Church 4449 N. Nevada St. (back door)
Marcia Kay [email protected]
OA & AA 12 & 12, Various, Newcomers Welcome
Spokane, WA #56783
THUR 1:00PM
The Alano Club 1700 W. 7th Ave
Maureen Open Topic using VOR & For Today
Spokane Valley, WA
#56340 THUR 6 PM*
Opportunity Presbyterian Church 202 N. Pines Rd.
Jessie W, 509-953-0202 [email protected]
Big Book
Spokane, WA #56013
FRI 6:30 PM
Liberty Lk. Portal – 2nd floor boardroom 23403 E. Mission
Roger Z. 509-220-5590 [email protected]
Men’s topics, various literature, all welcome. Open Meeting.
Spokane, WA #34947
SAT 9:00 AM *
Holy Family Hospital (dwnstrs) 5633 Lidgerwood Room 6
Lee 509-217-9297
Renewal and Recovery topics, Newcomers Welcome
Spokane, WA #10069
SAT** 10:30 AM *
Holy Family Hospital (dwnstrs) 5633 Lidgerwood Room 6
Janelle S. 509-483-6937
Step Study, AA & OA 12 & 12
Ephrata, WA #53988
MON 6 PM
Methodist Church 117 C St NW
Laura 509-398-3848
Newcomer, Relapse, 12th Step Within Open
Okanogan, WA #54802
MON 6 PM
Nazarene Church 2530 Elmway
Terry 509-322-6729
Topic meeting
Bonners Ferry, ID #51978
MON 6:30 PM
Boundary Community Hospital 6640 Kaniksu St. (lower level conf room – emergency entrance)
Mary W. 208-290-8172 [email protected]
OA 12 & 12, Voices of Recovery, various
Cocolalla, ID 353514
TUE 12 Noon
Cocolalla Cowboy Church 4281 Cocolalla Loop Road
Linda G 612-599-1096 [email protected]
Big Book, OA 2&12, For Today & Voices of Recovery
Coeur d’Alene, ID #52561
TUE 6:30 PM
Kootenai Health Cafeteria Classroom 2003 Lincoln Way
Summer 208-699-9814 [email protected]
Big Book, Step Study & Traditions
Post Falls, ID * #54170
WED 1:30 PM
Church of the Nazarene 308 W 12th Ave.
Debbie P. 208-755-4774 [email protected]
Writing meeting using OA 12 & 12 & Big Book
Coeur d’ Alene, ID #50144
THU 6:30 PM
St Pius Church 625 E Haycraft
Mollie 208-819-1828 [email protected]
Various OA literature
Coeur d’Alene, ID #50924
SAT 8:30 AM*
Kootenai Health Hospital 2003 Kootenai Health Way Heart Center Classroom (ER entrance)
Wayne 206-701-2584 [email protected]
OA 12&12, For Today, Voices of Recovery & Big Book
Colville, WA #00617
MON 11:30 AM
!st Nazarene Church 368 E. Astor Ave.
Linda 509-680-8674
Newport, WA #52085
WED 9:00 AM
Pine Ridge Community Church 1428 West 1st St. (back entrance)
Barb Q. 509-447-0775 Step study on 1st WED of month & various OA literature
St. John, WA #51456
MON 10:00 AM *
1st Methodist Church 5 West Broadway
Colleen 509-648-3718 OA 12 & 12, Big Book & OA Book
Updated 2/19
****Next LCI Intergroup Meeting: Saturday, June 8, 2019 at 9 am**** Valley Hospital & Education Center - 12606 E. Mission Ave. Spokane, WA
Region One Website at: www.oaregion1.org or go to www.oa.org for a plethora of information and on-line meetings!
Newsletter Editor: [email protected]
OVEREATERS
ANNONYMOUS
April, 2019
Lake Country Intergroup PO Box 9327
Spokane, WA 99205 509-328-9972
Lake Country Intergroup